Portland, Maine – A North Atlantic right whale has been sighted entangled in rope off the coast of New England, exacerbating the challenges faced by these endangered animals. With their population dwindling to less than 360, right whales are highly susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships. The entangled whale was discovered approximately 50 miles south of Rhode Island’s Block Island, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Rescuers face difficulties in aiding the distressed whale, as it is located far from shore, making it challenging to reach. NOAA mentioned in a statement that experts were unable to safely reach the whale’s last known location during daylight hours for a rescue attempt. Nonetheless, NOAA Fisheries and their partners are closely monitoring the situation and will respond to the entanglement as weather and safety conditions permit.
Tragically, several right whales have already succumbed to fatal entanglements this year off the coasts of Georgia and Massachusetts, leading to concerns from environmental groups about the species’ possible extinction. The right whale population has decreased by approximately 25% from 2010 to 2020, indicating a worrying trend for their survival.
Efforts are underway to disentangle the trapped whale, with Scott Landry, the director of the Marine Animal Entanglement Response Program, emphasizing the need for patience from the public during these complex operations. A whale found dead off Martha’s Vineyard earlier in the year revealed signs of entanglement-related injuries, prompting calls from environmental organizations for stricter regulations to protect these marine mammals.
The North Atlantic right whales, once abundant along the East Coast, suffered severe depletion during the commercial whaling era and have struggled to recover. Protected by federal laws for decades, these majestic creatures undertake an annual migration from calving grounds in the south to feeding areas in the north, facing increasing threats due to shifting food sources and warming waters that lead them into dangerous zones for entanglements and collisions.
In light of these challenges, advocates like Gib Brogan from Oceana advocate for stronger protections to prevent entanglements in U.S. waters and ensure the survival of these iconic marine species. As efforts continue to mitigate the dangers faced by North Atlantic right whales, conservationists and experts strive to find sustainable solutions to secure a future for these remarkable creatures.